The slander enrages the DPRK army and people.

Jang Jong Nam, a KPA general, told KCNA that the south Korean regime's grave provocation risking war deserves a merciless retaliation from the KPA.

Vice-premier Jo Pyong Ju said the slander excites all the Korean people with hatred for the south Korean regime seeking confrontation with the DPRK. They are determined to take revenge on it, he said.

Kim Thae Bong, minister of Metal Industry, said the Lee Myung Bak regime is unpardonable for the grave provocations it has committed one after another against the DPRK. No leniency is available for it, he added.

Ri Man Song, vice-minister of Agriculture, said that the DPRK army and people are pressed beyond the limits of forbearance and that it is their unshakable position to answer the south Korean regime's provocation with a stern punishment, and a war with a retaliatory war.

Jang Won Gyu, manager of the Taean Heavy Machine Complex, said those seeking confrontation with the DPRK will clearly learn how powerful its military strength is.